May at the Club: A Month of Battles Across Eras, Scales, and Systems
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
May has been a brilliant month at Barnsley Wargames Club, with our tables alive with dice rolls, tactical manoeuvres, and the laughter (and occasional despair) of gamers deep in battle. We've had a rich mix of systems on the go—from ancient skirmishes to futuristic firefights, from massive fantasy wars to cinematic Old West shootouts. Here’s a look at the games we’ve been enjoying over the past few weeks.
Warhammer 40,000
The grim darkness of the far future has been well represented this month, with several players fielding their latest Warhammer 40,000 armies. Whether it's Space Marines, Necrons, Orks or Tyranids, the 41st millennium offers tactical flexibility and deep lore that keeps us coming back for more. With the latest editions streamlining some aspects of play while deepening others, we’ve had some great matchups across ruined Imperial cities and alien battlefields.
SAGA
We’ve travelled back in time with SAGA, the skirmish wargame of heroic battles in the Dark Ages (and beyond). Whether it's Vikings raiding Saxon villages or Crusaders clashing with Saracens, this game never fails to deliver cinematic moments. With its unique Battle Board mechanic and easy-to-learn rules, SAGA offers depth and flavour in equal measure. A few of us have even started painting up new warbands ready for future campaigns.
Adeptus Titanicus (2018)
Fans of big stompy robots have had their fix with Adeptus Titanicus. This game focuses on tactical battles between god-machines during the Horus Heresy. We’ve seen mighty Warlord and Reaver Titans unleash devastating firepower across cityscapes in battles where one wrong move can lead to catastrophic chain reactions. It’s one of those games where every inch matters, and watching a titan collapse in a pile of smoking ruin never gets old.
Warhammer: The Old World
It’s been fantastic to see the return of square bases and ranked units with Warhammer: The Old World. Some of our long-time members have been dusting off their classic armies, while others are diving into new forces. This revival of classic Warhammer fantasy has brought a real buzz to the club—seeing Orcs and Goblins face off against Bretonnians or undead legions marching across the table has been a real treat. It’s nostalgic and fresh all at once.
Dead Man’s Hand
There’s nothing quite like a Western shootout, and Dead Man’s Hand has delivered just that. From outlaws gunning down sheriffs to gangs causing chaos in frontier towns, this cinematic Old West skirmish game has offered some brilliant narrative moments. With our thematic terrain and unique campaign twists, every game feels like a scene out of a classic spaghetti western. Yee-haw indeed.
Kings of War
When it comes to epic fantasy battles, Kings of War continues to shine. We’ve had massed infantry clashes, monster duels, and carefully orchestrated flanking manoeuvres on beautifully crafted battlefields. The rules are slick and clean, and the game moves quickly, even with large armies. Whether you're leading stalwart dwarfs or twisted Nightstalkers, Kings of War has something for every general.
Open Combat
One of the more flexible systems we've explored this month has been Open Combat—a fast, small-scale skirmish game that lets you create and customise your own characters. Whether it's historical, fantasy, or even something completely homebrew, the game adapts to fit your narrative. We've had some quirky, imaginative games with this one, proving that sometimes a handful of models can be just as fun as a full-scale battle.
Chain of Command
We’ve also revisited the intensity of Chain of Command, a World War II platoon-level game that focuses on tactical realism and battlefield decision-making. With its focus on command and control, patrol phases, and limited visibility, every battle feels tense and immersive. Whether it's Allied forces advancing through bocage or Axis troops holding a ruined town, the narrative possibilities are endless.
Bolt Action
Rounding out the month has been more World War II action with Bolt Action, which offers a more cinematic and accessible approach than Chain of Command, but still full of historical flavour. We've had some fantastic games featuring tanks, artillery, and brave infantry charging objectives. From D-Day beach assaults to skirmishes in snowy forests, the variety of scenarios is part of the fun—and the beautifully painted armies don’t hurt either!
Want to Get Involved?
May has shown us just how diverse and vibrant the wargaming hobby can be. Whether you’re into huge battles or intimate skirmishes, historical realism or fantasy escapism, there's a game for you—and a community to enjoy it with.
If any of these games sound like something you'd enjoy—or if you're already playing and just looking for a place to roll dice—get in touch with us at Barnsley Wargames Club. We’re always happy to welcome new members, arrange games, or just have a chat about the hobby. Whether you're a grizzled veteran or new recruit, there’s a place for you at the table.
